Gov. asking FEMA for help with flood damage assessments

Governor Pat Quinn has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help with flood damage assessments in Illinois. He spoke in Meredosia, along the Illinois River, which has flooded to record levels. Quinn says the state is working to get federal assistance to help Illinois communities recover from last week's flooding.

"You can see how many counties in Illinois have been affected by this pervasive flood, and we're not finished yet. That's why so many people are here today to try and prevent further damage."

The assessments will start next week and provide documentation for Illinois to request federal financial assistance. About four dozen counties in Illinois have been declared state disaster areas.